Author: Anakbayan New Jersey

Filipino Youth Stand in Solidarity with the People of Palestine, Demand an End to Apartheid in Israel

/ Anakbayan New Jersey / Leave a comment

For Immediate Release

Press Statement

March 23, 2015

References:

Daniel Santiago, Solidarity Officer, Anakbayan New Jersey , anakbayannj@gmail.com

Joelle Eliza Lingat, Chairperson, Anakbayan New Jersey,  anakbayannj@gmail.com

Filipino Youth Stand in Solidarity with the People of Palestine, Demand an End to Apartheid in Israel

ab palestine

Anakbayan New Jersey raises our fists in solidarity with our fellow activists of Students for Justice in Palestine of Rutgers New Brunswick to commemorate Israeli Apartheid Week. We vehemently condemn the Israel state in their apartheid of the Palestinian people. In the same breadth of how the Philippine government creates an apartheid state with their economic policies dictated by bureaucrat capitalism, feudalism, and imperialism, we stand by the Palestinian people as brothers and sisters through our international struggle.

The parallels between our plights as oppressed peoples are numerous. Israel’s discriminatory policies limit resources and access to housing, transportation, and food. We see segregation based upon race and religion as well as forced migration from lands formerly held by Palestinians. The continual occupation of Palestinian lands and bombings of schools and hospitals confirm the human rights violations perpetrated by the Israeli state, funded and supported by the US government. Moreover, border control and militarization of communities restrict the movement and freedom of the Palestinians.

Similarly the Filipinx people are subjected to forced migration, military repression, and economic suppression at the hands of U.S. imperialists. As children of the Palestinian and Philippine diaspora within the belly of this imperialist beast, it is our duty to fight for liberation of our homelands. Anakbayan New Jersey denies the legitimacy of the Israeli government when they continue to create an apartheid state that does not include the Palestinian people. It is only through our collective struggle will we attain collective victory. Long live international solidarity!###

February 1-11: Join Us for Philippine Solidarity Week!

/ Anakbayan New Jersey / Leave a comment

philsolwk

Philippine Solidarity Week is a week of activities beginning on February 4 to commemorate the Philippine-American War and to raise awareness and support for the continuing struggle of the Filipino people for national liberation. It is led by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-USA or BAYAN-USA.

Since 1899, U.S. troops have maintained their presence in the Philippines through permanent military and naval bases and through military agreements and treaties that undermines Philippine sovereignty. These military bases have served as launching pads for U.S. Imperialist aggression in Asia. With the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPPA) and the Joint Force 2020 ventures, U.S. troops will continue imperialist aggression in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in the Philippines.

There are a number of ways individuals and organizations can participate: 

Call for Endorsement
We are calling on all progressive organizations, peace and anti-war activists to launch solidarity actions in support of the continuing struggle of the Filipino people for genuine independence.

As an organization against militarism, war, and imperialism we ask you to join us in solidarity. Being an endorser can be any of the following:

* Solidarity Statement/Video
* Take a photo with the picture below or write your own message
* Co-Host or Host an event with a BAYAN org

Collected statements, pictures, and videos can be sent to bayanusa.ne@gmail.com 

Social Media Campaign
Take a photo and post on facebook/instagram/twitter/etc. with one of the attached signs saying:

  • Advance the National Democratic Movement of the Philippines!
  • I stand in solidarity with the National Democratic Movement of the Philippines
  • OR CREATE YOUR OWN MESSAGE WITH A BLANK SIGN!

Tag with #PhilSolidarity or email to bayanusa.ne@gmail.com and upload between Feb 1 – 10

Petition Campaign (Goal is to reach 1000)
Justice for Jennifer Laude Online Petition
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/justice-for-filipina-trans-woman-jennifer-laude

Attend Events – Phil Sol Week Events
Educational Discussion: Youth on the March 
Sunday, February 1st 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Hosted by Anakbayan New Jersey and New Jersey Youth for Immigrant Liberation
Location – Social Justice House, 125 Glenwood Avenue, Jersey City, NJ
https://www.facebook.com/events/407730799393591/
Potluck and Film Screening/Discussion of Sa Ngalan Ng Tubo and Mindanao: The Land of Promise?
Wednesday, February 4th 7:00 PM
Hosted by Food and Water Watch and Slow Food Rutgers
Location – George Street Co-Op (89 Morris Street, New Brunswick, NJ)
https://www.facebook.com/events/877761138963858/
Film Screening and Discussion of “Modern Heroes Modern Slaves”
Friday, February 6th 6:00 PM
Hosted by Anakbayan New Jersey and AFSC immigrant Rights Program 
Location – 89 Market Street, 4th Floor Newark, NJ
https://www.facebook.com/events/775311359203509/

Film Screening and Discussion of “Bloody Blundering Business”
Saturday, February 7th, 5:30-8pm

Hosted by Anakbayan New York
Location – YaYa Network, 224 W29th St, 14th fl, New York, NY 10001
https://www.facebook.com/events/1624327204462273

Pinay HERstories: Migration to Liberation
Sunday, February 8th 2:00 PM

Hosted by GABRIELA New York 
Location – YaYa Network 224 West 29th Street, 14th Floor, New York, NY
https://www.facebook.com/events/1521295378136323/
Educational Discussion: From Fagen to Ferguson: International Solidarity Against Torture & Extrajudicial Killings
Wednesday, February 11th 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Hosted by New York Community for Human Rights in the Philippines
Location – Amnesty International, 5 Penn Plaza, 16th Floor, New York, NY

Community Members Stage Rally at Alaris Health at the Fountains Following Unjust Termination of Two Filipino Workers

/ Anakbayan New Jersey / Leave a comment

Community Members Stage Rally at Alaris Health at the Fountains

Following Unjust Termination of Two Filipino Workers

DSCN2345

Secaucus, NJ – Filipino activists and community advocates rallied at Alaris Health at the Fountains- South Campus early Tuesday morning to demand full back wages and job reinstatement for two Filipino workers. Bernadette De Leon and Yolando Simon, both dietary aides, were unjustly suspended on May 29, 2014, and eventually terminated on July 10, 2014. The rally was held coinciding with the arbitration hearing between 1199J, who are representing the workers, versus Alaris Health.

Protesters held a banner saying, “We support Bernadette and Yolando! Reinstatement now!” They also chanted, “When workers rights are under attack, what do we do? Stand up!  Fight Back!”

The two Filipino workers were terminated by Patricia Meyers, Administrator at Alaris Health at the Fountains – South Campus for allegedly stealing frozen goods. These were denied by De Leon and Simon. The two workers said that they were not afforded the opportunity to tell their side and were not provided due process.  Both workers were reliable, long-term employees of Alaris Health, who consistently received certificates of recognition.

“We are here to show support for Bernadette and Yolando who are fighting against their unjust termination.  We are here to show that the community is on the side of workers rights.” said Hanalei Ramos, an organizer with the Filipino Immigrants and Workers Organizing Project.

The protest culminated with the advocates delivering a letter to Pat Meyers, Administrator of the Alaris site. The delivered letter was also signed by a number of local community organizations, demanding that Meyers be held accountable for her conduct.

“As a Filipino youth organization, we stand with Bernadette and Yolando. We demand that Patricia Meyers be held accountable for the blatant discrimination and unprofessionalism that occurred under her watch,” said Nina Macapinlac of Anakbayan New Jersey. “Workers’ rights are always under threat by employers who seek to exploit their workers. It is therefore important that workers be always vigilant and ready to assert their rights,” Macapinlac concluded.

The rally was organized by Anakbayan New Jersey and the Filipino Immigrants and Workers Organizing Project. With more than 20,000 Filipinos in Hudson County alone, these organizations anticipate more Filipino workers to come out with experiences of discrimination, exploitation, and unsafe working environments. Community activists are hoping that De Leon and Simon’s case sets an example of community members uniting to defend workers’ rights.###

 

ABNJ Wishes a Liberating 2015 to All! Thank you for your support. Please Donate Today!

/ Anakbayan New Jersey / Leave a comment

As we look back on 2014, Anakbayan NJ is humbled and awed by the ongoing support and love of our families, friends, supporters and allies. Thank you all so much for your belief and commitment to our work! This past year was a big transitioning stage for our chapter, and we welcome the new year as a strong and growing group of Filipino youth and students. In these early days of 2015, we look back on our accomplishments and reflect on lessons learned.

Here are some of our accomplishments in 2014:

ABNJ2015

Here are some things we are planning to work in 2015:

  • Education as a Human Right – As part of a national Anakbayan USA campaign, we will be launching a local campaign against student debt to fight for the right of all youth to an education.
  • Filipino Workers Case — We hope to turn the case of the two Filipino nursing home workers into a full-fledged campaign to finally help them secure justice and raise awareness on the conditions of Filipino migrant workers here in the United States.
  • Help for the Philippines – Organize for another solidarity & relief mission to the Philippines in the summer and send delegates to an additional exposure trip in November for the International League of People’s Struggle Conference.
  • Focus on building a strong base of Filipino youth and student leaders in Jersey City to fight and address the needs of the local community.
  • We will continue educating, organizing and mobilizing the youth for the rights and welfare of our communities here in New Jersey and back home in the Philippines.

As a movement upholding the principle of self-reliance, members and supporters are the source of our organization’s funds and resources. Please consider making a donation to Anakbayan-NJ ($5, $10, $25, $100+ ) so that we can continue serving the people in the new year. We hope to accomplish a goal of $500 by the end of January 2015!

We are still in the process of harnessing our financial machinery. You can send donations in a variety of ways:

1. VENMO- Sign up for a Venmo account (it’s FREE). Send the amount you can to “Anakbayan NJ”, or anakbayannj@gmail.com using the application for your computer, iPhone, or Android device.

2. PAYPAL– If you prefer not to make a Venmo account but would like to donate online, you can send your donation to the PayPal link below. This is connected to our Vice Chairperson’s account who will confirm receipt of your payment shortly after.

Donate Button with Credit Cards

3. CASH/ CHECK- pay to the order of “CASH”, write “ANAKBAYAN NJ” on the memo, and mail to Anakbayan NJ, c/o Social Justice House, 125 Glenwood Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306, or email anakbayannj@gmail.com with “2015 Donation” on the subject line to arrange pick up from one of our executive committee members.

Additionally, here are non-monetary ways you can help and support Anakbayan:

  1. JOIN – Join the movement! Become a member of Anakbayan now. Schedule an orientation by emailing anakbayannj@gmail.com
  2. FOLLOW – Stay updated and spread the word about us through social network accounts (twitter, facebook: Anakbayan NJ, Anakbayan NY, Instagram)
  3. JOIN A RELIEF MISSION TO THE PHILIPPINES- Anakbayan NJ is a member of Kapit Bisig Kabataan Network, a national Filipino American youth and student-led relief network built in response to Typhoon Haiyan and future disasters. Sign up here by January 12, 2015.

Your donation and support will help us continue fighting for justice and genuine democracy both here in New Jersey and back home in the Philippines! Salamat and we wish you all a happy new year!

 

With love and solidarity,

Anakbayan New Jersey Family

2014 Year In Review: Lumalakas! Lumalawak! Lumalaban!

/ Anakbayan New Jersey / Leave a comment

Thank you for supporting Anakbayan-USA in another empowering year of serving the people. Let us wrap up the 2014 by going through the highlights of this year.

10348922_10203284294942654_5853174144850147330_o

Early this year, we saw the growing unity among Filipino-American youth and students with the formation of Kapit Bisig Kabataan Network, a national network of Filipino-American youth and students in response to the devastation of typhoon Haiyan.

In March, we were able to launch coordinated actions to condemn the murder of Freddie Ligiw, a member of Anakbayan Abra, and his family by the fascist Armed Forces of the Philippines. Anakbayan chapters across the country scrambled to organize indignation protests. We were able to highlight the ongoing human rights violations and the need to cut US military aid to the Philippines.

Justice for Freddie Ligiw Rally in San Francisco, March 2014
Justice for Freddie Ligiw Rally in NYC, March 2014
Justice for Freddie Ligiw Rally in Los Angeles, March 2014

In June, we held our first ever national training with the goal of further strengthening our capacity to organize and wage campaigns. This was due to demand from our organizers on the ground and also a necessity as we prepare to contribute in a big way to the advancement of the National Democratic movement. Around 100 Filipino youth and student activists from across the country convened in San Francisco State University on a two-day training and sharing of best strategies and experiences. The workshops ranged from conducting social investigation, solid mass organizing, grassroots fundraising to waging mass campaigns. We also discussed the effects of neo-liberalism on education and the growing problem of student debt.

This summer, our chapters have helped in a big way in the holding of the first youth and student-led relief and rebuilding mission under the banner of Kapit Bisig Kabataan Network. 24 participants joined from Pacific Northwest, Northern California, Southern California, Mid West and East Coast.

Kapit Bisig Kabataan Network’s Relief and Rebuild Mission, Summer 2014
Kapit Bisig Kabataan Network’s Relief and Rebuild Mission, Summer 2014

In September, our members have participated in the People’s Climate March, biggest climate action held in New York City to demand system change not climate change. We helped unite and mobilize various Filipino organizations to take a stand.

At People's Climate March in New York City, September 2014

At People’s Climate March in New York City, September 2014

Also in September we have made the headlines by confronting BS Aquino at his speaking engagement at Columbia University. We have exposed the corruption of Typhoon Haiyan donations, the ongoing struggle of farmers in Hacienda Luisita and the continued policy of repression and killing of activists.

In November, we have helped organize a national week of action to commemorate the first year of Typhoon Haiyan with Kapit Bisig Kabataan Network. We also celebrated the 50th anniversary of Kabataang Makabayan. Cultural performances and discussions were held across the country to study and uphold the legacy and revolutionary vision of Kabataang Makabayan.

This year we have seen the strengthening of established chapters and the creation of new ones. We have seen the rise of new leaders in all our chapters but notable are the elections of new Executive Committees of New York, New Jersey and Silicon Valley chapters. We have also established new chapters in the Inland Empire and Long Beach, California.

As an international movement, we also have to mention that this year we were able to convene the leaders of Anakbayan chapters from United States, Canada, the Netherlands, Australia and the Philippines to strengthen coordination and share experiences and best practices.

10658808_10203834110647703_7366074401339623065_o

Anakbayan Philippines, Melbourne, USA, Netherlads and Canada

In recognition of our internationalist duty and the need to build cooperation and unity with other youth and students and people’s organizations, we have advanced our solidarity work. We have sent delegates to United We Dream’s congress in Arizona last February. We have also sent a delegate to the United States Student Association congress in California. We’ve sent delegates to the National Students for Justice in Palestine Conference in Massachusetts and have linked arms with youth and students in various mobilizations on various issues: in defense of refugee migrant children and in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. We have also established communications with the National Students for Justice in Palestine, Movimiento Estudiantil Chican@ de Aztlán (MECHA), Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) and many more.

At Millions March Against Police Brutality in NYC, December 2014

We have also seen the growing militancy of actions in confronting the enemies of our people. We’ve used sit-ins, mud-stenciling and lightning rallies to expose BS Aquino and uplift the voices of our people back home.

There are lots of challenges to overcome, lessons to be learned and work to be done. We are ever more committed to advancing our people’s struggle for liberation and democracy. Onwards to 2015! Onwards to more victories!

Filipino Youth Activists (Charge Wilson and Pantaleo Guilty), Demand Justice for All Victims of State Repression from Ferguson to the Philippines

/ Anakbayan New Jersey / Leave a comment
images

“We revolt simply because, for many reasons, we can no longer breathe” – Frantz Fanon

We, the Filipino youth and students of Anakbayan New Jersey, stand in solidarity with the people of Ferguson and New York City. We strongly condemn to the highest level the no indictment verdicts in light of the murder of our fellow youth of color, Michael Brown on August 9, 2014, and father, Eric Garner on July 17, 2014.

Darren Wilson, a white police officer fired twelve rounds at unarmed, 18 year old, Michael Brown, who had his arms up upon death. Eric Garner, 43 year old father of six, was put into a chokehold by Daniel Pantaleo, another white police officer. This resulted in Garner’s eventual death as well. With our fellow youth, and fathers being killed, how much more can our communities take? How many more times will we allow this to happen? As oppressed youth, we must hold Darren Wilson, Daniel Pantaleo, and the countless others accountable for their actions. And if this fails, we must demand a system that will.

It is unacceptable that the justice system so blatantly disregards the lives of marginalized peoples. Black and Brown bodies across the country are being targeted and terrorized by police brutality and increased militarization of neighborhoods and communities. These generally unarmed, Black young men are being told every 28 hours that their lives do not matter and our justice system will not advocate for them. The list of the victims of police brutality will only continue to grow if we do not reclaim our basic right to livelihood.

Our people share a legacy of loss. Freddie Ligiw, a youth member and organizer with Anakbayan in the Abra province, was forcibly taken on February 19, 2014. He dared to question societal order and fight for a better future for his people. In response, the Philippine government killed him, adding to the ever-increasing number of extrajudicial killings. We must end this culture of impunity worldwide.

By 2050 there will be a white minority in the U.S. We will reach a point of history where most people in the country, at that point the people of color majority, are socialized to not trust the people meant to protect them: the police. As youth of color, and the future majority, we are not taught by the oppressive system that it will oppress. Rather, our people’s struggles and the stories we witness on the streets have taught us to reject the fallacy of security that is the police state. Do not blame us for wanting to protect the lives of our children as well.

During a student walkout this past week, the squadrons of police brought out a Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD), which sends painful shock waves throughout the body. This is how our “public servants” respond to a peaceful protest comprised of mostly high school students. Despite these attempts at intimidation and state repression, we cannot afford to remain silent. The criminalization of youth is sadly familiar to our collective communities. Whether on domestic soil or in the militarized state of the Philippines, our bodies are being policed and brutalized. As youth, we must reject this fascist government we have inherited and respond in rage.

Anakbayan New Jersey calls on all youth to demand a system that advocates for its people and protects the marginalized. We must pursue an organized and collective struggle to liberate all of our peoples. Filipinos in the U.S. and in our homeland must raise their voices against the injustices committed against our allied communities. We must stand together and claim a better world and future for ourselves, or we will watch each of us fall. Our hands are up, but in fists, fighting for our right to breathe. From New Jersey to Mexico New York to Palestine to Ferguson to the Philippines, no justice, no peace! Black lives matter! Brown lives matter! Long live international solidarity!

Fil-Ams join ‘Million March’, calls on Youth to challenge racis

/ Anakbayan New Jersey / 1 Comment

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

New York City, NY – Filipino-Americans join the biggest protest to date this Saturday in response to the non-indictment of police officer Darren Wilson involved in the shooting of African-American teen Mike Brown in Ferguson, Missouri and Daniel Pantaleo in the chokehold killing of 43 year old Eric Garner in Staten Island, New York.

The protest started at Cooper Union. The contingent then marched towards Washington Square Park to merge with an even bigger march. Estimates say 50 to 60 thousand protesters took to the streets chanting “Black lives matter”, “I can’t breathe”, and “Fist up, fight back!” This is only one of the many demonstrations happening as part of “Million March Day of Anger”.

“We, as Filipino-American youth and students, stand in solidarity with the families of Mike Brown, Eric Garner and everyone who has lost loved ones as a result of state-sanctioned violence. We join because an injury to one is an injury to all. We condemn the state violence against communities of color and the culture of impunity that breeds Darren Wilsons and Daniel Pantaleos,” said Chrissi Fabro, Chairperson of Anakbayan New York.

According to the young activists, this experience is not far from the experiences of Filipinos. “The killings of people of color and impunity that is prevalent in the United States resembles the killings of community leaders and activists and the culture of impunity that allows perpetrators off the hook in the Philippines,” Fabro added. She pointed out that 204 cases of extrajudicial killings of activists remain unsolved under the Aquino administration, while those responsible for these human rights violations continue to walk free.

On the other hand, Anakbayan is also calling on Filipino American youth to reflect and challenge existing “anti-Black racism” within the Filipino community. “We recognize that anti-Black racism has permeated even our own community. We acknowledge that this is a product of centuries of Western colonialism and assimilation to American culture that brainwashes us to be ashamed of our beautiful, brown skin,” said Joelle Eliza Lingat, Chairperson of Anakbayan New Jersey.

Anakbayan activists challenge Filipinos to play an active role in what they call as the “new” civil rights movement in the United States. “Every 28 hours a Black person is shot by the police. We challenge Filipinos, especially youth and students, to stand in solidarity with our Black brothers and sisters by being agents of change in our own community. We must actively challenge racism and prejudices against other oppressed peoples,” said Lingat. “Let’s conduct discussions, dialogues and fora to educate ourselves and our community about the evils of racism and its systemic roots. We must do more than just show up, but actively uphold the demands of Black leaders, especially queer and trans* women, and participate in the various protests that are sweeping the country,” Lingat concluded.

Anakbayan is a national youth and student organization working to educate, organize and mobilize the Filipino community to address important issues that affect Filipinos in the US and the Philippines. It has 11 chapters in major cities in the United States.

Honor in the Line of Fire: Why our protest against the Philippine president is justified

/ Anakbayan New Jersey / Leave a comment

ByQHQ9rIMAALITz

“The line of fire is a place of honor.”

–Lean Alejandro, Youth Activist in the Philippines

In the spirit of the countless generations of progressive and militant activists that have dared to stand up to state repression in the Philippines, community organizers here in the United States chose to confront Philippine President BS Aquino during his (unwelcome) visit to both New York City and San Francisco. On September 23rd, three activists publicly criticized Aquino and his failures to the Filipino people during a forum held by Columbia University. A protest led by the organizations of which these activists are a part was held simultaneously outside the university hall. On September 24th, progressive organizations based in the Bay Area rallied outside of a Wells Fargo building that Aquino was in. Anakbayan Silicon Valley (ABSV) holds the utmost respect for the individuals and organizations that stood in the line of fire to oppose and expose the crimes of the Aquino administration, and we are honored to call these people our kasamas, our comrades.

The actions at Columbia University and the streets of San Francisco are not isolated events, nor are they the work of any one individual, as the mainstream media paints them to be. A history of oppression faced by the Filipino people has led to the the formation of organizations that represent all sectors of society, from workers to peasants, youth to educators, womyn to queer-identified, and everything in between. Those that confronted Aquino last week are members of such organizations here in the US, and they have been championing the rights and welfare of Filipinos both in the Philippines and in the US for years. ABSV has been organizing in the South Bay not only to protest the criminal negligence and state repression led by the Philippine government, but also to address the issues facing Filipino youth in our communities.

Our collective anger, and the actions that result, stem from centuries of colonial exploitation of the Filipino people, decades of rule by a Philippine state that has chosen profits over people, and generations of families torn apart by forced migration due to landlessness and joblessness in the Philippines. In the last four years of Aquino’s administration alone, we have seen this violence time and time again.

We have seen it in the more than 200 victims of extrajudicial killings and more than 600 victims of illegal arrest and detention.

We have seen it in the failed government response to those affected by Typhoon Haiyan, both in the immediate aftermath and in the current conditions on the ground.

We have seen it in the money going into Aquino’s pockets as presidential pork barrel, money that could have been spent for the people.

We have seen it in the continued promotion of a labor export policy that treats people as remittance-generating commodities.

And we have seen it in the government’s blatant denial of national sovereignty for the Filipino people by re-opening US military bases, and by continuing to open the country to foreign industries that do not respect the human rights of the people.

Our demands for genuine change in the Philippines are rooted in this violence. We have an undeniable reason to yell. We have an undeniable reason to rise up. And we have an undeniable right to confront an individual who has played such a large part in countless crimes against the Filipino people. We cannot confine our calls for justice to a Q&A session. We will not wait in a queue. To do so would disrespect the gravity of the struggle faced by our kababayan and their clamor for a society that upholds and protects their rights. And it is the people to whom we should be showing our respect. Should President Aquino seek to be treated with respect, he must earn it first.

ABSV’s current campaign, Project FLAME (Filipinos Leading A Movement for Empowerment), seeks to provide an opportunity for youth to voice their struggles outside the confines of a classroom, as the brave activists in New York and San Francisco have done. Through a storytelling project within the campaign, we are organizing our community to speak out against the educational violence they face: lack of adequate college admissions guidance; the increasing costs of tuition, even in public schools; the student debt crisis; the inability of youth to find stable jobs to sustain themselves; and the ever increasing dropout rate of Filipino youth due to institutional obstacles. These issues are not isolated from those in the Philippines, with the US spending exponentially more on the military than on our education. This same military budget is going to increased military aid to and military presence in the Philippines, which again have led to countless human rights violations. Whether in the Philippines or in the US, Filipinos are suffering from a system that serves the interests of the minority rather than the majority.

Until the people’s demands are answered, we will continue to educate, organize, and protest, whether inside a university hall or out on the streets. We hope that more people will be emboldened by the actions of our fellow kasamas, if not to join us in protest, then at least to have conversations with us to understand why these protests are organized to begin with. The people’s struggle is not a mere shouting match, it is not a rude interruption. It is a place where the most marginalized and oppressed can speak freely. It is an honorable place to be.

JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS OF TYPHOON HAIYAN!
JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS OF STATE REPRESSION!
SHAME ON BS AQUINO!
CONTINUE THE PEOPLE’S STRUGGLE IN THE PHILIPPINES!

Anakbayan New Jersey Message for the People’s State of the Nation Address in New York City

/ Anakbayan New Jersey / Leave a comment

By Nina Macapinlac, Vice Chairperson, AB-NJ

In an address to World Economic Forum delegates in Manila, Noynoy Aquino was recorded to have said: 

“We have to invest in our greatest asset–the Filipino people…The power behind all our efforts–whether in pursuing inclusive economic growth, improving competitiveness, food security, or disaster risk management–comes not from any individual, but from the people.” 
 
The people? President Noynoy Aquino, what people? 
 
In a country where 40 families control the majority of the national economy and where more than 11.1 million families are in poverty, I ask again, President Noynoy Aquino, what people? 
 
Despite claims of a booming economy, this improvement is hardly inclusive and has only served the interests of foreign big business and the top 0.01% in the Philippines. 
 
Sham independence and sham development are what the Filipino people have been fed but we see through your lies, Noynoy! 
 
Export-oriented growth, labor export policy, and the neoliberal Public Private Partnership have only resulted in more poverty and more unemployment. 
 
These economic policies are not serving the Filipino people but perpetuating and strengthening their bondage under US imperialism, feudalism, and bureaucrat capitalism. 
 
For the Philippines to be truly free, it must strive to achieve the necessary factors for growth such as national industrialization and genuine land reform. 
 
We denounce the puppet regime of the Aquino administration that has intentionally kept our country underdeveloped instead of building a sustainable economy! We denounce the government that has looted and plundered our rich country while the Filipino people suffer! We denounce the system that has pushed our families to leave because of unlivable economic conditions causing our youth to grow up in a country that is not their own! 
 
As the people of the Philippines and the Philippine diaspora, we demand the immediate removal of Noynoy Aquino who has only broken promises and excuses to show for the last four years! 

New Jersey Youth Activists Join National Day of Action to Demand Justice for Victims of Extrajudicial Killings, Call for an End to US Military Aid to the Philippines

/ Anakbayan New Jersey / Leave a comment

1975066_10151925932812105_693829910_n

Jersey City, NJ- Filipino youth organization, Anakbayan New Jersey (AB-NJ), and community activists gathered at the Journal Square Memorial Fountain on Friday night as part of Anakbayan-USA’s National Day of Action to demand justice for small- scale miner and Sikadan-Anakbayan member, Freddie “Fermin” Ligiw, and his family.

The remains of Ligiw, his father, Licuben, and brother, Eddie, were found in a shallow grave close to their residence in Licuan-Baay, Abra, Philippines on March 7. The three were prominent community leaders who opposed large-scale mining operations in Abra, and were active members of grassroots organizations, Kakailan Salakniban Tay Amin a Nagtaudan (KASTAN), a provincial chapter of Cordillera Peoples’ Alliance, and Anakbayan.

Catalina Adorno, a close ally of AB-NJ and one of the founding members of Choforitos United, an immigrant youth activist group in Union City, NJ, commented in solidarity, “We are coming out in full support of upholding the human rights of everyone who are involved in advocating for social justice. No one should be killed anywhere for fighting for what they believe in.”

A fact-finding mission by the Cordillera Human Rights Alliance on March 9 revealed that the 41st Infantry Battalion (IB) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) was conducting combat operations against the New Peoples’ Army several days before the Ligiws went missing.

Perpetrators of these atrocious operations persist with impunity as the Aquino administration continues to implement Oplan Bayanihan (Operation Plan Shoulder-to-Shoulder), a counterinsurgency program that has historically targeted activists, peoples’ lawyers, journalists and other grassroots leaders in an effort to quell the revolutionary movement in the Philippine countryside. Aquino has also consistently promoted and justified the planned expansion of US military access to the Philippines.

Amidst the US Military Pivot to the Asia-Pacific, the number of human rights violations against activists and community leaders in the Philippines is steadily rising. At the end of 2013, Philippine human rights alliance, Karapatan, documented 169 cases of extrajudicial killings since President Benigno “NoyNoy” Aquino took office in 2010.

That number quickly increased during the first quarter of 2014 with the case of the Ligiw Family. On Saturday, the tragic murder of Romeo Capalla, member of Samahan ng Ex-detainees Laban sa Detensyon at Aresto (SELDA, Alliance of Ex-Detainees Against Detention and Arrests) and younger brother of Davao Archbishop Emeritus Antonio Capalla, became the 11th documented case of political killings this year.

Jenabi Pareja of the New York Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines (NYCHRP) was critical of US involvement in HRVs overseas. “We aim to shed awareness on the murder of a fellow kasama (comrade), but also of our firm position to end all U.S. military aid to the Philippines,” said Pareja.

Since 2002, the US has sent a total of $500M in military aid to the Philippines. In addition, Secretary of State John Kerry pledged another $40M for 2014 after visiting the Southeast Asian country post-Super Typhoon Haiyan in December 2013. The US and Philippine governments are also entering the seventh round of talks, intending to close a deal on the “Agreement on Enhanced Defense Cooperation” by next month.

Filipino activists in the U.S. expressed serious concern regarding this issue, considering its relationship to HRVs in the Philippines. Pareja added, “U.S. tax dollars and military positioning under the pretext of mutual defense and humanitarian support, are being used by elements of the AFP to carry out brutal attacks on people fighting for change in their communities back home. These funds should instead be channelled towards social services such as education, healthcare and welfare benefits for the working people of the U.S.”

In a Twitter exchange with Anakbayan NY and NJ on Saturday, the Philippine Embassy in Washington, DC stated an ongoing investigation of the Ligiw case is being conducted. The Embassy also gave assurance that the “state will go after those behind these political killings”.

“We [Anakbayan chapters overseas] are deeply disturbed and outraged by this brutal attack to a kasama. We will not stop until justice is served- for Freddie, for Jonas, for Sherlyn, for Rachelle, and all victims of political killings back home,” said Nina Macapinlac, member of AB-NJ.

AB-NJ committed to raising awareness on the issue of HRVs in the Philippines, and sustaining the call for justice for all victims of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. Nina Macapinlac, member of AB-NJ, concluded,”We demand an immediate and thorough investigation of the murder of the Ligiw family, and an end to U.S. military aid to the Philippines. We are urging concerned citizens of New Jersey to contact Senator Robert Menendez, chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee for the 113th Congress, to demand cutting all US military funding to the Philippines.”###

~~~

References:

  1. Anakbayan Cordillera Statement on the Killing of Fermin Ligiw

  2. KARAPATAN, Alliance for Human Rights in the Philippines

  3. US Aid and Human Rights Violations in the Philippines

  4. PH Offers US Use of Bases

  5. Younger Brother of Bishop Capalla Murdered in IloIlo Province